Internship USA

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A Guide to the online Application

Anywhere on this page you can pull up this menu for easy access - just hit on the help icon at the bottom right of your screen!

Get started on your application

Try to get your application in as early as possible!

Once you have successfully submitted your application for a J1 Visa Programme the process of gaining the legal sponsorship begins.
There are various stages to this - each is extremely important. Please note that at all times we must adhere to US government regulations governing the programme.

This page will guide you through the process of applying for your J1 visa to the USA. Please take the time to read through it carefully - and bookmark it so you can refer back to it during the application process!

If you have previously completed a J1 Intern or J1 Trainee Program, please see our guide on Repeater Rules!

Repeater Rules

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A Guide to the online Application

What Happens Next?

Once you've registered on this page, our team will set you up in the system with a CIEE Beacon Account. You'll receive a welcome email from donotreply@ciee.org with your log in details!
Please make sure you refer back to this page throughout the application process as there are no instructions on the actual application!

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Contacting our Team

Please note our team will not be able to respond to enquiries or update requests made via telephone during the process.
In order to ensure the security of your personal data and travel arrangements we will only be able to respond to these requests via email from the email address registered on your account.
Under no circumstances will we be able to discuss your application via email or other method with anyone other than you.

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Please make sure your Documents have been uploaded. Your application will be delayed without these

Supporting Documents you will need to upload to your online Beacon Account

As well as completing the online application, you will also need to upload some supporting documents - including Proof of Univeristy Status, Passport ID page.

Those with a Download link should be downloaded from this page before you start your application

Proof of Student Status

Required for Full time Students

*This can be completed, signed and stamped by any member of staff at your university. If they are unable to complete this, they must provide you with a letter on headed paper (signed) confirming the same information

If you have recently graduated, you must provide upload either a copy of your Degree Certificate or official confirmation of your award

Fees Disclosure Page

Required for ALL Applications

This must show your real signature - the best thing to do is to print this out, sign and date and then either scan as PDF or take a picture and upload this to the DOCUMENTS section of your online application

Proof of English Language

Required for SOME Applications

*Proof of English Ability is only required for NON UK/ IRISH passport Holders. If your country of citizenship does not have English as its primary language you will need to add this to your application.
If you can not get this completed, you can request a short interview with one of our team. We will conduct this once you have informed us the application is complete and you are ready to move forward

Important Information regarding Unpaid Internships

If your position is unpaid, you must either provide a bank statement showing access to funds equivalent of at least $1500 US Dollars for each month you plan on being in the United States OR upload a signed Guarantor Letter from a guardian or parent

Financial Guarantor Letter

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Inviting your US Supervisor to complete your online training plan

Click through the slideshow below for instructions on inviting your US Supervisor and Host Company

To invite your US Supervisor you will need:
The Full name of your US Host Company
Your US Host Company Supervisor Name
Their position at the US Host Company
Their contact email and telephone number
The address of your US Host Company
Your intended internship/ traineeship dates

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Adding Your Profile Picture to your Application

To do this, please click on the grey profile picture box at the top of your BEACON application - you will then be able to upload a suitable picture.

*Please make sure this image is less than 1mb in size

A Step by Step Guide to the Online Application

PERSONAL INFORMATION

In this section you need to check your name and details as they appear on your application, and enter nationality details as per your passport.
You will also need ton upload an image of your passport ID page. Please make sure this is clear and all parts can be read

CONTACT INFORMATION

In this section you will enter your contact details, including your home address and details of someone we can contact if there is an emergency in the USA.
If your mailing address (where you will want your legal paperwork sent to) is different to your home address you should also enter this information here.

DEPENDENTS

Interns are not allowed to bring family members on this programme, so please just tick the No box, save and move onto the next step

EDUCATION

If you are currently in full time study, please enter the details of your university/ college (there's a search function but you can also add these manually).
If you have recently graduated, please follow the steps and upload your confirmation of award.
Please note any uploaded documents must be either pdf or jpeg - word docs will are not allowed.

WORK EXPERIENCE

If you have any work experience, please enter this here.
If not, please just hit No and move to the next step

PREVIOUS VISA INFORMATION

If you have previously been to the US on a J1 visa programme, you will need to enter some details here
If you have been denied entry into the USA, please contact our team
The question "Have you ever applied for a visa to immigrate to the U.S.?" only applies if you have applied to permanently move to the USA. If does not apply if you have receive a previous J1 or other short term visa
If you have previously been refused a visa by the US Embassy, please contact our team for advice with information on the refusal (dates/ reason given)
If you have been arrested and/ or convicted of a crime in your home country, please contact our team before moving forward with the application
If you have been arrested and/ or convicted of a crime in the USA, please contact our team before moving forward with the application

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Please answer all questions, sign the Applicant Declaration of Intent and tick the box confirming you have read and understood this

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

STIPEND REFERS TO YOUR SALARY IN THE USA.
If you are being paid more than $1500/ month for your internship, please tick this box

If your internship is unpaid, or you will be receiving less than $1500, please provide either a bank statement confirming funds to cover you while you are in the USA, OR:
If your salary is less than $1500/ months, you will need to download the Guarantor Letter Template (see required Supporting Documents on this page). Please have a parent or guardian complete this.
You will then need to upload this to the DOCUMENTS section of your online application

ENGLISH ABILITY

If your passport is issued by a country where English is a recognised Native Language, please tick Yes.

If your passport is issued by any other country (even if you are fluent), please check one of the other options.
*The CIEE English Language Ability Form is available either on this webpage (see Supporting Documents) or from the DOCUMENTS section of your CIEE application.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Please enter all information to the best of your ability.

*Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the CIEE insurance policy. If you require regular medication, you will need to cover the costs for this yourself. It may be possible to organise this from your home country but please speak with your medical provider/ doctor.

HIPAA RELEASE FORM

All participants must sign this.

COMPLETE? WHAT NOW?

Once all parts of your application are complete - including all supporting documents uploaded to the DOCUMENTS section of the application, you can sign off at the top of the page.

If your online training plan has also been completed (including your PROGRAM DATES) and signed by both your US Host Supervisor and you, please then email our team to confirm you are ready to move forward with the process

How does the Process Work?

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Internships at 2 Host Companies

If you are planning on undertaking an internship at 2 host companies the process is slightly different.

You will need to invite your 1st Host Company to complete the online training plan as above
Your 2nd Host Company will need to complete a PDF version of the DS-7002 Training Plan (you can download this below), sign each phase and send this to you.
You will need to complete Section 1 of the PDF and sign at the bottom of the 1st page.
You will then need to upload this completed PDF into the DOCUMENTS section of your online BEACON account.

Once you have done this (and as long as all other parts of the application are completed/ signed and ready to move forward you should email our team to confirm your application is for 2 host companies and complete.

Download the PDF DS-7002

Important Information	If you are planning on applying for an internship at 2 different Host Companies during your internship, you must apply for this as part of your original application. We will not be able to approve a change of host company or authorise any extension in the US for the purposes of changing Host Companies.
Dates for your 2nd Host Company	The start date of the internship at your second host company must be the next calendar day after the end of your 1st Host Company Training Plan end date. For example: If your 1st Host Company has a training end date of 15th March, the training plan for your 2nd host Company must start on the 16th March (even if this is a weekend or public holiday). This is because there can be no calendar breaks in an internship programme (US Government rules).

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Contacting our Team

Please note our team will not be able to respond to enquiries or update requests made via telephone during the process.
In order to ensure the security of your personal data and travel arrangements we will only be able to respond to these requests via email from the email address registered on your account.
Under no circumstances will we be able to discuss your application via email or other method with anyone other than you.

Email us at info@istplus.com or use our Contact Us page

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Signing your Online Training Plan (DS7002 Form)

Once your online training plan has been completed and signed by your US Host Company, you will receive an email from the system notifying you.
BEFORE you sign, you must make sure you enter the PROGRAM DATES.
This will be the earliest date you want to be covered by insurance to enter the USA and the last date you wish to be in the US.
*Please note: You can only apply to arrive up to 30 days prior to your official Intern start date - and you may only remain in the US up to a maximum 30 days After your internship end date

You must make sure these are entered into your online training plan before you sign! Without these dates we are unable to review or start the process for you.

Your PROGRAM START DATE MUST BE ON OR BEFORE THE DS START DATE PROVIDED BY YOUR HOST ORGANISATION.
Your PROGRAMME END DATE MUST BE AFTER YOUR TRAINING END DATE or we will not be able to submit your application.

*It's very important you choose the total dates you want to be in the USA . Once you have been approved and legal documents printed and shipped from the US, there will be a charge of at least £50 + any additional month charge for any changes.

See Costs Here

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Make Sure you Sign YOUR part of the Application!

When your online training plan has been completed and signed by both your host Company and you, you should make sure your application is complete (including those all important supporting documents!).
Then please sign this part as well. You'll need to email our team at apply@istplus.com to let us know you're happy to move ahead before we start the review process!

Our team will not review or move forward with an application unless we have confirmation from you via email your application is complete and is ready to move ahead.

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Contacting our Team

Please note our team will not be able to respond to enquiries or update requests made via telephone during the process.
In order to ensure the security of your personal data and travel arrangements we will only be able to respond to these requests via email from the email address registered on your account.
Under no circumstances will we be able to discuss your application via email or other method with anyone other than you.

Email us at info@istplus.com or use our Contact Us page

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The Process - How long does it take?

Once you have emailed our team to confirm you are ready to move forward with the application, we will email you a payment request.
Once this payment has been made, we will be able to submit your completed application to our colleagues in the USA for processing.
Below is an outline of the process - each application is assessed individually however, so timelines and processes vary

We strongly recommend allowing a minimum 6 weeks for this - and significantly more in the busy periods of the year such as the months leading up to the summer and December Holidays.
Embassies are much busier during these times, and wait times for interviews will be much longer!

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1: Application Complete

Once both parts of your application are complete (your part and your online training plan), please email our team at apply@istplus.com to confirm.
We will then review your application and let you know if anything needs to be revised/ is missing.
Our team will not review or check your application until you have confirmed you have completed this and are ready to move forward with the process.

2: Payment Request

Our team will email you a Payment Request. Once we have confirmation this has been paid, we will submit your application to our colleagues in the USA for the process to start

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3: CIEE Review

Your application will show as UNDER REVIEW. CIEE will work with your Host Company to approve your application. You must check your email regularly during this process as this will be how we contact you should we require further information. In some cases, CIEE may ask your Host Company to revise your training plan to bring it into line with US Government requirements.
This may require the training plan to be signed again by both your US Host and you - if this is required you will receive an email from CIEE systems asking you to log in again and sign off on the revised plan.

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4: Approval

Once approval has been granted (this may take up to 4 weeks), your status on your application will change to ACCEPTED. Within 2-3 working days (not including weekends) of this you will be able to see your SEVIS ID at the top of your online account page. THIS IS SHOWN AS YOUR DS-2019 NUMBER.
Within 3-5 working days of this, your legal paperwork will be sent to our offices in the United Kingdom and we will send these out to you. Using your SEVIS ID (DS-2019#) you can complete the DS-160 form - see our US Embassy Interviews button below

I-901 Confirmation Email Info

Receipt for Form I-901

When your application has been approved by CIEE, you will receive an email from i901noreply@fmjfee.com.

This shows the SEVIS fee of $220 has been paid by CIEE (this happens once an application is approved for sponsorship).

You will receive a hard copy of the receipt in the pack of legal documents we send you, but can also print out a copy by following the links within this email.

Once you have received this email, it is normally 5 working days before we receive your paperwork from the US and send it out to you.
If you are in the UK or Northern Ireland, this will be via 1st class post.
If you are outside the UK or Northern Ireland, this will be via international courier service.

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5: Book your Interview/ Receive your Paperwork

Having completed your DS-160 you can move on to booking your face to face interview at the US Embassy. Please note you will need your legal documents in order to attend this (these normally take 5 working days to arrive after your DS-2019# shows in your online account (see Step 4).
*Please bear this in mind when booking your interview date*

Embassy Interview

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6: Attend your Visa Interview

At your face to face interview at your local Embassy or Consulate, you will be required to answer some questions about your trining plan, your plans for when you return home and other details.
You will also be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints).

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7: After the Interview

When your passport and visa are returned to you by the US Embassy, you are free to book your flights and travel to the US on or after the date listed as Program Start Date on your Documents and online Training Plan

At this point you should update your VISA DETAILS and TRAVEL DETAILS in your online BEACON account.

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8: Arriving in the USA

You will need to register in SEVIS and also provide contact tracing information to immigration authorities upon entry to the United States.
See below for important information on registering in SEVIS and Travel during your time on the programme.

When you Arrive - Registering in SEVIS

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Once you have arrived in the USA, it is VITAL you register in SEVIS.
This is a legal requirement and failure to do so may mean your programme is cancelled and you have to return home.

Ways to Register in SEVIS
For CIEE Participants	Log into your BEACON account and follow the prompts to register via your online account. If you have problems doing this, please call CIEE on 1-888-268-6245

If you move or change housing during your programme, it is important you update your details in SEVIS using one of the above methods

Travel INSIDE the USA

There are so many things to discover, people to meet, and places to see in the U.S.! While you are exploring, please keep the following advice in mind to make sure your travel experience is the best and safest it can be:

Travel with Friends whenever possible
If traveling alone, tell friends and colleagues where you are going, when you will be back, and how to reach you
Make sure you have contact information for your friends and your host organization.
Plan ahead. Know where you are staying, how you are getting there, where you will eat, etc.
Take important documents. Always make sure you have documents such as your passport and a copy of your DS-2019 Certificate. A good idea is to take a picture of this and save it to your gmail or similar.
Never leave your bags or other personal property unattended.
Never Hitchhike! In addition to being unsafe, it is illegal in many states.

Travel OUTSIDE the USA

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If you travel outside the U.S. during your official Internship dates (as listed on your DS-2019 Certificate), you must have your original DS-2019 signed for travel by CIEE and receive a Letter of Good Standing.

To receive these, mail your DS-2019 and a note explaining your travel plans to CIEE at 600 Southborough Drive, Suite 104, South Portland, Maine 04106. Include a prepaid UPS or FedEx return envelope (addressed to your U.S. mailing address) so we can return your DS-2019 form and Letter of Good Standing. For questions or more information, call 1-888-268-6245 or email us at contact@ciee.org.

Notify CIEE by phone or email at least two weeks before your trip to ensure you get your DS-2019 signed and returned on time.

Travel to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) is covered by CIEE insurance. Travel anywhere else outside the country is not. If you are traveling to a country that is not covered by CIEE insurance, we recommend purchasing separate travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

Your J-1 visa must be valid and the dates on your DS-2019 must be current when re-entering the U.S.
You will not be allowed back into the U.S. with an expired DS-2019, even for connecting flights.
It is your responsibility to make sure you meet re-entry requirements.

Do not travel without your signed DS-2019 form. Doing so may result in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer denying your re-entry into the U.S.

Depending on your home country, you may be required to have a visa for the country you are traveling to. Be sure to check with your embassy before traveling anywhere outside the U.S.
If you have planned multiple trips outside of the U.S., you may not need to get an updated travel validation for each one. Please contact CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 or contact@ciee.org for more information.

If you travel outside the US after the end date on your DS-2019 (during any travel and tourism time), this will automatically terminate your programme. Should you plan on re-entering the United States after this travel, you will need to ensure you have a valid visa (or ESTA for visa waiver countries) and travel/ medical insurance to cover you for your time in the United States.
You should also make sure you have a ticket showing your departure date and (in some cases) be prepared to answer any questions form US immigration as to why you are returning to the United States so soon after completing your J1 Programme.

Social Security and Taxes

Please see our dedicated page for guidance and information

Take me there

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Extending your Programme in the USA

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Applications for extensions can only be authorised for the purpose of continuing your internship at your original Host Company (as listed on your DS-2019 Certificate and on your online training plan).
We are not able to authorise any extension for the purposes of changing Host Companies.

The legal maximum time at a US Host Company is 12 months.
You can not extend your programme if you are already on a 12 month programme.

If your internship dates are less than 12 months, it may be possible to extend your time in the USA.

Any application for an extension must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the end date on your existing DS-2019 Certificate - not the end date on your J1 visa

*Please note we can not accept extensions of less than 6 weeks

Email us at info@istplus.com or use our Contact Us page

Applying for your extension

Please email our team to request the extension application - or download this using the link below

Extension Application

Please email our team to ask for your online DS-7002 Training Plan to be extended.
We will then "unlock" your existing online training plan.
Your Host Supervisor will need to add in an extension training phase (or phases) with new dates, as well as an explanation for why the extension is being requested.
* You will also need to enter a new Program End date (the new date you plan on leaving the USA)
Once this has been completed, both your supervisor and you will need to sign off on the extended training plan

You will need to complete the extension application we send you and email this back to our team.
We will then request payment for the extension
Once payment is received, the team at CIEE will process the extension
Once an extension is approved, a new DS-2019 Certificate will be sent to you at your Host Company address
Important! An extension allows you to remain in the US and continue your programme. It does not extend your original J1 Visa issued by the US Embassy. If at any time during your extension period you travel outside the USA, you will need to apply for a new J1 visa to match your extension dates at your local US Embassy. Without a new J1 visa you will not be allowed to re-enter the USA.

Extensions can only be requested for the purposes of extending your time at your present US Host Company.
An extension can not be granted in order to change US Host Company

*Please note we can not accept extensions of less than 6 weeks

Email us at info@istplus.com or use our Contact Us page

Extension Fees

All Programme fees are in UK pounds (£)

MONTHS	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
FEES (UK Pounds - £)	£820	£820	£845	£1,010	£1,170	£1,310	£1,380	£1,620	£1,570	£1,670

MONTHS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

FEES (UK Pounds - £)

£820

£845

£1,010

£1,170

£1,310

£1,380

£1,620

£1,570

£1,670

IST Plus {internship usa}

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Apply Now for Internship USA

With up to 30 days in the US at the end of your Internship

A Guide to the online Application

Get started on your application

Try to get your application in as early as possible!

A Guide to the online Application

What Happens Next?

Contacting our Team

Please make sure your Documents have been uploaded. Your application will be delayed without these

Supporting Documents you will need to upload to your online Beacon Account

Important Information regarding Unpaid Internships

Inviting your US Supervisor to complete your online training plan

Adding Your Profile Picture to your Application

A Step by Step Guide to the Online Application

Internships at 2 Host Companies

Contacting our Team

Signing your Online Training Plan (DS7002 Form)

Make Sure you Sign YOUR part of the Application!

Contacting our Team

The Process - How long does it take?

1: Application Complete

2: Payment Request

3: CIEE Review

4: Approval

Receipt for Form I-901

5: Book your Interview/ Receive your Paperwork

6: Attend your Visa Interview

7: After the Interview

8: Arriving in the USA

Extending your Programme in the USA

Applying for your extension

Extension Fees

Useful Links